A report highlighting the prevalence of Islamophobia in Luton will be among the subjects discussed at a public event this month aimed at tackling anti-Muslim hatred.
The University of Bedfordshire will host the event on 20 November as part of Islamophobia Awareness Month, bringing together speakers to share professional insights and personal experiences of discrimination.
The event is being organised by Luton Council in partnership with the Luton Council of Mosques, the University of Bedfordshire and Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
It will include discussions about the findings of the report Everybody Knows: Islamophobia, Safety and Belonging in Our Town, produced by FACES Luton, The Raise Up Foundation and The Courtney Foundation, alongside workshops exploring how individuals, communities and organisations can challenge anti-Muslim prejudice.
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: “I welcome the report ‘Everybody Knows: Islamophobia, safety and belonging in our town’ from FACES Luton, The Raise Up Foundation and The Courtney Foundation. A big thank you to them for producing it.
“The report sadly shows that Islamophobia is a scourge across Luton and the wider county. It is one of the most prevalent forms of racism and faith-based hate. It is repugnant and must be eradicated.
“No one should have to experience Islamophobia. We must all pledge to stand up, call out, and challenge Islamophobia and those who practice and promote it be they individuals or institutions.
“The ‘Don’t Let It Slide’ event is a great opportunity for us to recommit, to making Luton a cohesive town and ‘no place for hate’ through practical action and not just words.”
This year’s Islamophobia Awareness Month theme is ‘Don’t Let It Slide’, encouraging people to challenge prejudice when they encounter it rather than allowing harmful stereotypes or discrimination to go unchallenged.
Councillor Rumi Chowdhury, portfolio holder for Women, Equalities and Community Safety, said: “Everyone in Luton should feel valued, accepted and able to participate fully in community life. Islamophobia has no place in our town, and no one should face hatred or discrimination because of their faith. Islamophobia Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to reflect on the way we treat others and consider how we can help create a society where everyone feels welcome.
“This year’s theme, ‘Don’t Let It Slide’, highlights the importance of speaking up when we see prejudice or discrimination, rather than allowing it to go unchallenged. We all have a responsibility to look out for one another and help make a difference.
“Last month’s No Place For Hate event showed the powerful and impactful work taking place to tackle issues in our communities and we really hope people can join us on 20 November. It will be an opportunity for residents from all backgrounds and faiths to come together, share experiences, celebrate our diversity and strengthen understanding across our communities.”
The free event is open to people from all backgrounds and faiths. Places can be booked through Eventbrite.
Anyone who witnesses or experiences Islamophobia or other forms of hate, whether online or in person, can report it to Bedfordshire Police.
Confidential support and an alternative way to report hate incidents are also available through Stop Hate UK, Bedfordshire’s third-party hate crime reporting service.
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